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A Brief History of the Gumdrop

Among popular belief, the gumdrop was created in 1801. The exact details of a candy’s creation is not clear but it is clear that the gumdrop had become popular by the late 19th century. An Ohio candy manufacturer, Percy Truesdell is noted for formulating the modern gumdrop in 1915.

The term “gumdrop” first appeared in print in 1860. Described as a soft gelatin-based candy that stretches like rubber. Some manufacturers were, however, selling less pliable potato-based gumdrops that were less expensive.

By the 1890’s gumdrop began to be used as a slang term for sweetness or a sweetheart. The candy continued to be a American standard for decades.